Recent advances in design and applications of biomimetic self-assembled peptide hydrogels for hard tissue regeneration

The development of natural biomaterials applied for hard tissue repair and regeneration is of great importance,especially in societies with a large elderly population.Self-assembled peptide hydrogels are a new generation of biomaterials that provide excellent biocompatibility,tunable mechanical stability,injectability,trigger capability,lack of immunogenic reactions,and the ability to load cells and active pharmaceutical agents for tissue regeneration.Peptide-based hydrogels are ideal templates for the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals,which can mimic the extracellular matrix.Thus,peptide-based hydrogels enhance hard tissue repair and regeneration compared to conventional methods.This review presents three major self-assembled peptide hydrogels with potential application for bone and dental tissue regeneration,including ionic self-complementary peptides,amphiphilic(surfactant-like)peptides,and triple-helix(collagen-like)peptides.Special attention is given to the main bioactive peptides,the role and importance of self-assembled peptide hydrogels,and a brief overview on molecular simulation of self-assembled peptide hydrogels applied for bone and dental tissue engineering and regeneration.

Advances in Hard Tissue Engineering Materials——Nanocellulose-based Composites

Nanocellulose(NC) has attracted much interest in the tissue engineering(TE) field because of its properties including biocompatibility,renewability, non-toxicity, functionality, and excellent mechanical performance. This review mainly focused on the advanced applications of NC-based composites in hard TE including cartilage TE, bone TE, and dental TE, illustrated the processing methods for synthesizing scaffolds including electrospinning, freeze-drying, and 3 D printing, reviewed the current status of hard TE, and presented perspective on the future of TE technology.

The Role of Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Enhancing the Healing of Extraction Sockets: An Overview of the Literature

Introduction: Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is an emerging material in dentistry, however, there are controversies surrounding its effectiveness. Despite the amount of literature available, debates regarding its effect continue. This review aims to summarize and clarify the data surrounding the use of L-PRF in promoting the healing of extraction sockets, which may offer a better outcome for future treatments. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature on the use of L-PRF in promoting the healing of extraction sockets, and to provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence. Methods: A comprehensive computer-based search of databases such as PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library was conducted. Results: The results of this review suggest that L-PRF has shown promise in promoting early healing of extraction sockets, but the evidence for its effectiveness over a longer period is limited. Conclusion: Although L-PRF has shown promising results in the early healing periods, its effectiveness over a longer healing period cannot be confirmed based on the available data. More clinical trials with standardized protocols and consistent measurement methods are needed to establish the role of L-PRF in enhancing the healing of extraction sockets.

Glycerol solutions of highly concentrated biomineral counter-ions towards water-responsive mineralization: Demonstration on bacterial cellulose and its application in hard tissue repair

Mineralization has found widespread use in the fabrication of composite biomaterials for hard tissue regeneration.The current mineralization processes are mainly carried out in neutral aqueous solutions of biomineral counter-ions(a pair of cation and anion that form the corresponding minerals at certain conditions),which are stable only at very low concentrations.This typically results in inefficient mineralization and weak control over biomineral formation.Here,we find that,in the organic solvent glycerol,a variety of biomineral counter-ions(e.g.,Ca/PO_(4),Ca/CO_(3),Ca/SO_(4),Mg/PO_(4),or Fe/OH)corresponding to distinct biominerals at significantly high concentrations(up to hundreds-fold greater than those of simulated body fluid(SBF))are able to form translucent and stable solutions(mineralizing solution of highly concentrated counter-ions(MSCIs)),and mineralization can be triggered upon them with external solvents(e.g.,water or ethanol).Furthermore,with pristine bacterial cellulose(BC)membrane as a model,we demonstrate an effective and controllable mineralization performance of MSCIs on organic substrates.This approach not only forms the homogeneous biominerals on the BC fibers and in the interspaces,but also provides regulations over mineralization rate,mineral content,phase,and dopants.The resulting mineralized BC membranes(MBCs)exhibit high cytocompatibility and favor the proliferation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(rBMSC).Following this,we prepare a mineralized bone suture(MBS)from MBC for non-weight bearing bone fixation,which then is tested on a rabbit median sternotomy model.It shows firm fixation of the rabbit sternum without causing discernible toxicity or inflammatory response.This study,by extending the mineralization to the organic solution system of highly concentrated counter-ions,develops a promising strategy to design and build targeted mineral-based composites.

Functional engineering strategies of 3D printed implants for hard tissue replacement

Three-dimensional printing technology with the rapid development of printing materials are widely recognized as a promising way to fabricate bioartificial bone tissues.In consideration of the disadvantages of bone substitutes,including poor mechanical properties,lack of vascularization and insufficient osteointegration,functional modification strategies can provide multiple functions and desired characteristics of printing materials,enhance their physicochemical and biological properties in bone tissue engineering.Thus,this review focuses on the advances of functional engineering strategies for 3D printed biomaterials in hard tissue replacement.It is structured as introducing 3D printing technologies,properties of printing materials(metals,ceramics and polymers)and typical functional engineering strategies utilized in the application of bone,cartilage and joint regeneration.

Laser and Its Application in Periodontology: A Review of Literature

Introduction: The use of lasers is an emerging therapy in periodontology, however, controversies regarding its use. Despite the vast amount of literature that is currently available, debates regarding the use of lasers in periodontal therapy continue. This review aims to summarize and clarify the myths surrounding the use of lasers in periodontal therapy, which may offer new hope for the treatment’s future. Methods: A comprehensive computer-based search was done using various databases like PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library. Results: Laser therapy has influenced periodontal treatment in many aspects. The advantages of laser over conventional instruments were reported, which include pain relief, inflammation reduction, tissue repair acceleration, wound healing, reduction of scar formation, removal of granulation tissue and epithelial lining, and treatment of periodontal pockets. Today, the laser starts to get more people’s attention. However, an evidence-based approach to using lasers in periodontal treatment must be developed. The potential risks associated with lasers should also be considered. There must be careful and strict safety precautions implemented. Conclusion: Although laser therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of periodontal disease, further research is needed before the clinical use of lasers in evidence-based practice. Further long-term studies and clinical studies in human models are needed to generalize laser therapy in periodontology.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIP-MOUTH REGION IN SMILING POSITION FROM 80 PERSONS WITH ACCEPTABLE FACES AND INDIVIDUAL NORMAL OCCLUSIONS

OBJECTIVE: The characteristics of lip-mouth region including the soft and hard tissues in smiling position with frontal fixed position photographic computer-aided analysis were studied. METHODS: The subjects were 80 persons (40 male and 40 females, age range: 17 to approximately 25 years) with acceptable faces and individual normal occlusions. The subjects were asked to take maximum smiling position to accept photographic measurement with computer-aided analysis. RESULTS: The maximum smile line could be divided into 3 categories: low smile line (16.25%), average smile line (68.75%), and high smile line (15%). CONCLUSION: The method adopting maximum smiling position to study the lip-month region is reproducible and comparable. This study would be helpful to provide a quantitative reference for clinical investigation, diagnosis, treatment and efficacy appraisal.

Developing of Load-bearing Bones Replacement Based on Cerium Compounds/Nano-hydroxyapatite Composites

The importance of implantable biomaterials is growing up in recent days for modern medicine,especially fixation,replacement,and regeneration of load-bearing bones.Through the past several years,metals,ceramics,polymers,and their composites,have been used for the reconstruction of hard tissues.Special standards such as adequate mechanical and biocompatible properties are required to avoid rejection reactions of the tissues.Recently,a number of novel advanced biomaterials are developed as promising candidates.Amongst those,cerium-based biomaterials acquired attention as a substitution material for hard tissues reconstruction because of cerium antioxidative properties,which enabled it to be used to decrease mediators of inflammation.In addition,the eminent mechanical properties,as well as the perfect chemical and biological compatibilities,make cerium-based biomaterials attractive for biomedical application.

Primary cilia in hard tissue development and diseases

Bone and teeth are hard tissues.Hard tissue diseases have a serious effect on human survival and quality of life.Primary cilia are protrusions on the surfaces of cells.As antennas,they are distributed on the membrane surfaces of almost all mammalian cell types and participate in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis.Mutations in cilium-related genes result in a variety of developmental and even lethal diseases.Patients with multiple ciliary gene mutations present overt changes in the skeletal system,suggesting that primary cilia are involved in hard tissue development and reconstruction.Furthermore,primary cilia act as sensors of external stimuli and regulate bone homeostasis.Specifically,substances are trafficked through primary cilia by intraflagellar transport,which affects key signaling pathways during hard tissue development.In this review,we summarize the roles of primary cilia in long bone development and remodeling from two perspectives:primary cilia signaling and sensory mechanisms.In addition,the cilium-related diseases of hard tissue and the manifestations of mutant cilia in the skeleton and teeth are described.We believe that all the findings will help with the intervention and treatment of related hard tissue genetic diseases.

In vitro characterization of novel nanostructured collagen-hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds doped with magnesium with improved biodegradation rate for hard tissue regeneration

New materials are required for bone healing in regenerative medicine able to temporarily substitute damaged bone and to be subsequently resorbed and replaced by endogenous tissues.Taking inspiration from basic composition of the mammalian bones,composed of collagen,apatite and a number of substitution ions,among them magnesium(Mg2+),in this work,novel composite scaffolds composed of collagen(10%)-hydroxyapatite(HAp)(90%)and collagen(10%)-HAp(80%)-Mg(10%)were developed.The lyophilization was used for composites preparation.An insight into the nanostructural nature of the developed scaffolds was performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray and Transmission Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray.The HAp nanocrystallite clusters and Mg nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed within the scaffolds and adherent to the collagen fibrils.The samples were tested for degradation in Simulated Body Fluid(SBF)solution by soaking for up to 28 days.The release of Mg from collagen(10%)-HAp(80%)-Mg(10%)composite during the period of up to 21 days was attested,this composite being characterized by a decreased degradation rate with respect to the composite without Mg.The developed composite materials are promising for applications as bone substitute materials favouring bone healing and regeneration.

Collagen-based bioinks for regenerative medicine: Fabrication, application and prospective

In the field of regenerative medicine,the importance of 3D bioprinting is self-evident and nonnegligible.However,3D bioprinting technology also requires bioink with excellent performance as support material to fabricate a multi-functional bioinspired scaffold.Collagen-based bioink is regarded as an ideal 3D bioprinting ink for its excellent biocompatibility,controllable printability and cell loading property.It is an important breakthrough in regenerative medicine with the progress of collagen-based bioink,which fabricates bioinspired scaffolds with different functions and is applied in different repair scenarios.This review summarizes the different applications of collagen-based bioink and classifies them as soft tissue and hard tissue according to the target region.The applications of target region in soft tissues include skin,cartilage,heart and blood vessels,while in hard tissues include femur,skull,teeth and spine.When the collagen-based bioink is applied in repairing soft tissue,the requirements of function are higher,while the mechanical properties must be further improved in repairing hard tissue.We further summarize the characteristics of collagen-based bioink and point out the most important properties that should be considered in different repair scenarios,which can provide reference for the preparation of bioinks with different functions.Finally,we point out the main challenges faced by collagen-based bioink and prospect the future research directions.

Biomimetic mineralized hybrid scaffolds with antimicrobial peptides

Infection in hard tissue regeneration is a clinically-relevant challenge.Development of scaffolds with dual function for promoting bone/dental tissue growth and preventing bacterial infections is a critical need in the field.Here we fabricated hybrid scaffolds by intrafibrillar-mineralization of collagen using a biomimetic process and subsequently coating the scaffold with an antimicrobial designer peptide with cationic and amphipathic properties.The highly hydrophilic mineralized collagen scaffolds provided an ideal substrate to form a dense and stable coating of the antimicrobial peptides.The amount of hydroxyapatite in the mineralized fibers modulated the rheological behavior of the scaffolds with no influence on the amount of recruited peptides and the resulting increase in hydrophobicity.The developed scaffolds were potent by contact killing of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Streptococcus gordonii as well as cytocompatible to human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.The process of scaffold fabrication is versatile and can be used to control mineral load and/or intrafibrillar-mineralized scaffolds made of other biopolymers.